Hazen High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
May 8, 2013 — Twelve extraordinary Hazen High School students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.
School Board at May 22 meeting to consider offers to sell two parcels of unused property near Hazelwood and Tiffany Park elementary schools
May 3, 2013—Renton School Board members at their May 22 regular meeting will consider offers on two pieces of undeveloped property near Hazelwood and Tiffany Park elementary schools.
Renton Schools nominates City of Renton's Terry Higashiyama for Community Recognition award
April 25, 2013—Renton School District has nominated the City of Renton's Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama for the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Community Recognition Award for her passionate and enthusiastic support of local public education and connecting the community with schools.
Regional Committee for School District Organization grants transfer of territory
April 25, 2013—The Puget Sound Education Service District’s Regional Committee for School District Organization recently ruled to transfer the Densmore neighborhood portion of the Renton School District to the Bellevue School District.
The neighborhood, which includes 37 homes has a Bellevue address and is located in the northern-most end of the district. Twenty-one school-aged children live in the neighborhood with seven currently attending Renton Schools.
The timeline for the transfer has yet to be announced by the Regional Committee.
Four Hazen High School students named National Merit Scholar finalist
April 18, 2013—Hazen High School students Alexander Nurmi, Alisha Piazza, Emma Tuschhoff and Melissa Mayer are National Merit Scholarship finalists, a distinction that puts them in the top 1 percent of the 1.5 million high school students who take the Preliminary SAT National Merit Qualifying Test each year.
Lindbergh High School students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
April 17, 2013 — Twelve extraordinary Lindbergh High School students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.
Hazen High School seniors named top scholars
April 17, 2013 — Two Hazen High School seniors have been recognized as top scholars in the state for their academic achievements and community service.
Federal government changes how states calculate high school graduation rates
New reporting method accounts only for four-year graduates
April 10, 2013—Following new federal government regulations, Washington State has changed how it reports graduation rates. Starting with the 2010-2011 school year, all U.S. high schools will provide data based on a four-year “cohort” rate which is calculated by tracking individual students from the time they enroll as first-time ninth-graders, with the expectation that they will all graduate from high school in four years, including earning all required credits and passing all required state assessments and conditions.
Calculating High School Graduation Rates - State and Federal
School Board selects new superintendent
Dr. Merri Rieger will take office July 1
April 9, 2013—Renton School Board members have selected Dr. Merri Rieger as the new superintendent of the Renton School District.
Dr. Rieger is currently chief student achievement officer in the Kent School District. She has also served as assistant superintendent for learning and school improvement in Kent, high school principal in the Bremerton School District, and dean of students and high school teacher in the Auburn School District. Dr. Rieger earned her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D at Washington State University.
Renton teachers recognized for Excellence in Education
Renton Chamber selects winners of annual Ahead of the Class awards
April 3, 2013—Five outstanding Renton teachers have been selected as winners of the 2013 Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce.
Five Renton Schools win state’s highest honor
Washington Achievement Awards are given based on test scores of many student groups, graduation rates and closing gaps
April 2, 2013 — Five schools in the Renton School District have won the state’s highest honor for excellence in mathematics, extending the graduation rate, closing the achievement gap and overall excellence.
2013 Outstanding Employee winners celebrated
Renton School Board honors work of teachers and staff
March 27, 2013—Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting recognized winners of this year’s Outstanding Employee Awards. The Board has presented the awards for more than 30 years to recognize staff who demonstrate an extraordinary level of job performance, support of students, professionalism and dedication.
Top 3 candidates to interview for superintendent position
Community meetings planned April 1, 2 and 4
March 21, 2013—The top three candidates for Renton Schools superintendent have been selected. The finalists will each spend a day in the district in early April, meeting with district staff and parents, city council members, business leaders and others, and will greet the public at three separate meetings.
Kindergarten enrollment set for early May
March 21, 2013—Kindergarten registration at Renton School District elementary schools begins in early May. All schools offer half-day kindergarten programs; many also offer opportunities for parents to pay a fee ($300 per/month) to extend the day to a full-day kindergarten program (the state does not provide funding for all schools to offer all-day kindergarten programs).
Lindbergh High student running again thanks to screening at school to detect heart problem
Heart screening at school by Nick of Time Foundation likely saved student’s life
March 20, 2013—Lindbergh High School freshman Will Recla is a cross-country and mile runner who recently ran in the annual 5K St. Patrick’s Day Dash in Seattle. A cross-country athlete running a 5K event may not be impressive on its own. But a little more than 90 days ago, Will had open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve and repair his aorta.
Seattle Foundation grant helps Renton students create good academic habits and stay on track to graduate
March 14, 2013—The Seattle Foundation has again awarded Renton School District $200,000 to continue to provide academic liaisons in the district’s three middle schools. This marks the third year the foundation has contributed to the program to provide professional mentors to support improved academic performance, attendance and behavior in Renton middle schools.
Top 6 candidates to interview for superintendent position
Community meetings planned for top 3 candidates, April 1, 2 and 4
March 13, 2013—An advisory panel of community members, parents and school district staff—led by Renton School Board members—will conduct preliminary interviews of six candidates for Renton School District superintendent. The public interview process will take place over a three-day period beginning Monday, March 18 in the district administrative offices at 300 SW 7th Street, Renton.
Regional parent forum planned to help better engage parents in education
Registration going on now for Road Map Project Parent Forum
March 8, 2013 — Renton School District is working with the Road Map Project—a community-wide effort aimed at improving education to drive dramatic improvement in student achievement in South King County and South Seattle—to involve parents in a region-wide Parent Forum hosted by the Road Map Project.
District’s top teachers recognized by local business leaders
Finalists in the 2013 Ahead of the Class awards surprised in classrooms
March 7, 2013 — Ten outstanding Renton teachers have been selected as finalists for the 2013 Ahead of the Class Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce. The five winners of this year’s award will be announced at a special ceremony on April 3 at the Seattle Seahawks Headquarters and Training Facility in Renton.
District high school students learning skills in high demand
Viral video campaign by Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg beseech schools to teach coding
March 5, 2013 — A viral video advertising campaign called code.org—featuring Bill Gates, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey and many other influential founders of computer start-up companies, entertainers and sports figures—is urging U.S. schools to teach computer programming. The campaign highlights the high demand for code writers, stating "one million of the best jobs in America may go unfilled because only 1 in 10 schools teach students how to code."
Kennydale Elementary named one of top schools in state
Kennydale designated ‘Reward School’ based student performance on reading and math scores over past three years
March 4, 2013 — Kennydale Elementary School has been recognized as one of the state’s top schools by the state’s education office.
Renton High School applying to become International Baccalaureate World School
Students, staff rise to challenge of more rigorous, internationally-minded education environment
February 28, 2013—Renton High School is working to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering IB courses beginning in the 2014-15 school year and awarding IB diplomas to eligible students by June, 2016.
March is Music Month
Friends of Renton Schools Foundation sets out to raise $50,000 specifically for music programs in schools across the district
February 27, 2013 — Music programs are alive and well in the Renton School District. But the Friends of Renton Schools Foundation wants to help improve programs and make music even more accessible to more students.
Renton School Board seek nominations for annual Outstanding Employee Awards
Feb. 27, 2013 - Renton School Board members are seeking nominations for the annual Outstanding Employee Awards. Each year the Board recognizes the hard work and dedication of district staff through the award. Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 8. Nominate an Outstanding Employee!
State begins pilot test of next-generation student assessments
Campbell Hill Elementary to participate in new tests align to national Common Core Standards
February 25, 2013 — Schools across Washington state will join others across the nation to begin a pilot test of the new "Smarter Balanced" assessments that are aligned to Common Core subjects, a national process to create sets of academic standards that are uniform in schools throughout the nation.
Bill Gates Sr. visits Lakeridge Elementary School
Co-chair of Gates Foundation, joined by president of Washington STEM board, to see high quality learning and teaching in Renton elementary school
February 14, 2013 — Bill Gates Sr., co-chair of the Gates Foundation, today lead a group of major funders and education professionals on a tour of Lakeridge Elementary School to see the phenomenal work being done between the University of Washington College of Education and Lakeridge Elementary School staff to improve teaching and learning.
Secondary Learning Center holds first ever graduation ceremony
February 12, 2013 — Fourteen students tonight graduated from the Secondary Learning Center (SLC); the first class ever to graduate from the newly-opened school.
High school students ready themselves to respond in case of emergency
February 7, 2013 — Twenty students from Hazen and Lindbergh high schools have been training to be prepared to respond in case of an emergency. For months the students have been taking part in emergency preparedness training and exercise drills offered by Renton Fire and Emergency Services as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) TeenCERT program, the teen version of the Community Emergency Response Team.
School Board to consider proposed changes to middle school boundary lines for Sept. 2016
Boundary adjustments mean changes to school assignments for more than 1,100 middle schoolers
February 1, 2013 — Renton School Board members will consider new preliminary middle school boundary lines at their regular Feb. 6 meeting. The proposed boundaries, created by a committee of parents and district staff, would become effective in the fall of 2016 coinciding with the opening of a new middle school in the north end of the district.
Click here to use the interactive map to see the proposed middle school boundary lines changing in 2016 (enter your address into the search box at the site to see your school boundaries)
Governor Inslee returns to Talbot Hill Elementary School
January 28, 2013 — Washington Governor Jay Inslee today met with elected student leaders at Talbot Hill Elementary School. Inslee was holding true to a promise he made to the school in 2012 when he used Talbot Hill to kick off his campaign for governor, highlighting Talbot Hill’s recognition as one of the state’s most Innovative Schools and using Renton School District a framework for his education platform.
Renton Community Foundation celebrates 13 years of community support by giving teachers and local organizations nearly $27,000 in cash grants
January 16, 2013—The Renton Community Foundation today celebrated 13 years of philanthropy by granting $27,000 in cash awards to Renton School District staff and other community organizations through its 2013 Circle of Giving Campaign. The funds, made possible by personal donations of $1,000 or more from community members and business leaders, were awarded at a special celebration at the Renton Senior Activity Center.
18 Renton teachers achieve National Board Certification
District has nearly 100 teachers who are National Board Certified
January 15, 2013 - Eighteen Renton School District teachers recently met the rigorous requirements to achieve National Board Certification for teachers. The district now has nearly 100 National Board Certified teachers.
Deadly flu spreading across U.S. moving into Washington state
Seattle-King County Public Health offers free vaccinations
January 16, 2013—Washington state Department of Health officials said Friday that the flu bug that has caused severe outbreak and some deaths in 47 states is spreading quickly in the Northwest.
District to review school safety/security
Meetings planned with Mayor and Police Chief, security audit being discussed
January 15, 2013—Renton School District is reviewing school safety and security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. Interim Superintendent Vera Risdon, along with other district staff, will meet this week with Renton Mayor Denis Law and his police chief to discuss ways that both organizations can continue to work to keep schools safe.
Kennydale Elementary teacher turns to Web-based donation program for funding for classroom needs
DonorsChoose.org provides opportunities for online donations directly to classrooms
January 15, 2013 — Kennydale Elementary School students in Sara Taylor’s fifth-grade classroom love to read. They read so much that the special books that Sara keeps in her classroom for students to check out and take home for leisurely reading were quickly wearing out.
Renton School District among 43 districts that refinanced bonds saving taxpayers $120 million
Solid financial management resulting in a great credit rating results in big savings for district taxpayers
January 11, 2013 — Renton School District taxpayers will save nearly $11 million thanks to action by the School Board to refinance school construction bonds approved by voters in 2003. Refinancing the old debt is similar to refinancing a home mortgage, which reduces the amount of interest paid over the course of a loan by taking advantage of historically low interest rates.
District to present proposed boundaries for new middle school opening Sept. 2016
Boundary shift means changes to school assignments for more than 1,100 middle-schoolers
Boundary presentation is Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. at McKnight Middle School, 1200 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton
January 9, 2013—A community meeting to present proposed preliminary boundaries for the district’s new middle school is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. at McKnight Middle School, 1200 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton (map it). Those unable to attend the meeting can choose to take an online survey here to provide input on the proposed boundaries.
Web-based donation program provides funding for individual classroom needs
DonorsChoose.org provides opportunities for online donations directly to classrooms
January 8, 2013 — Renton teachers hoping to find funding for school-approved classroom projects and materials have an ally: DonorsChoose.org, an online nonprofit organization that provides a way for the public to donate directly to specific classroom projects at local schools.
Nominations sought for annual Ahead of the Class teacher appreciation awards
All nominations accepted online from students, parents, staff and community
January 7, 2013—Local business leaders are looking for your help in recognizing Renton teachers as part of the annual Renton Chamber of Commerce Ahead of the Class awards.
School Board offers public input opportunities on development of position description for new superintendent
Three identical opportunities offered for public to choose from to meet search team, offer personal input
January 4, 2013—Renton School Board members are offering the public three opportunities to provide input on the search for a new school superintendent.
Two Renton schools rank in the top 5 percent of improvement of all Washington state schools
Maplewood Heights Elementary and Lindbergh High School win 2012 Washington Schools of Distinction awards for outstanding student achievement
January 3, 2013—Two schools in the Renton School District have been presented the 2012 Washington School of Distinction Award for overall educational excellence and five years of student improvement in reading and mathematics.
A community-wide farewell event is planned to wish Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel well as she leaves the Renton School District to begin work in the governor's office. Everyone is invited to this free event.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
3:30-6 pm (Short program at 5 p.m.)
Renton High School Commons
400 South Second Street, Renton, WA 98057
Two Renton school leaders named 2012-2013 Distinguished Principal, Assistant Principal of the Year
Damien Pattenaude, principal, Renton High School and Ed Crow, asst. principal, Hazen High School, recognized for hard work, commitment to students
December 19, 2012?Renton High School principal Damien Pattenaude and Hazen High School assistant principal Ed Crow have been named 2012-2013 Distinguished Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year in the Seamount League by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP).
School Board hires search firm to find new superintendent
December 19, 2012—Renton School Board members in a special board meeting last night voted to hire Northwest Leadership Associates to conduct the months-long search for a new superintendent to replace outgoing superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel as she transitions to her new position as chief of staff for newly-elected Washington governor, Jay Inslee.
Renton Schools heart goes out to community of Newtown, Connecticut
December 17, 2012 - We were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that occurred on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. It is a struggle for all of us to comprehend why and how such a senseless and shocking incident could occur. In the aftermath of this tragic event, we want to share with you what we are doing to make sure that our students and staff are safe.
Renton and six other King County school districts win $40 million Race to the Top grant
December 11, 2012—Renton School District and six other regional school districts today learned it had won $40 million in federal Race to the Top funds, the U.S. Department of Education.
School Board names interim superintendent
Education veteran Vera Risdon will lead the district through the months-long search for new superintendent
December 5, 2012—Renton School Board members today voted unanimously to name assistant superintendent Vera Risdon as the district’s interim superintendent to serve during the months-long search for a new superintendent. Risdon will assume the role in January as Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel transitions to her new position as chief of staff for the newly-elected Washington governor, Jay Inslee.
Renton Superintendent named chief of staff in new governor’s administration
November 29, 2012—Washington state's next governor Jay Inslee today named Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel as his chief of staff in his new administration. Inslee takes office on Jan. 16.
Local organization, Sports in Schools, donates $15,000 to help revive high school C-teams
November 20, 2012 - A local organization called Sports in Schools has donated $15,000 to help Renton School District reinstate C-team basketball programs in all Renton high schools. C-teams provide athletic opportunities for high school freshmen and sophomores who aren't ready to compete at the junior-varsity or varsity level.
Renton Schools Superintendent named co-chair of new governor’s transition team
November 14, 2012 - Washington state's next governor Jay Inslee today named the leaders of his transition team which includes Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel along with Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith and WSU President Elson Floyd.
Renton Rotary gives the gift of words to 3rd -graders
November 7, 2012—More than 1,200 third-grade students in the Renton School District are receiving the gift of words thanks to members of the Rotary Club of Renton. This marks the seventh year Rotarians have presented dictionaries to 3rd-graders.
Hazen High girls cross-country team named Academic State Champions for highest team GPA
November 2, 2012—Hazen High School’s varsity girls cross-country team has been named Academic State Champions for maintaining a near-perfect combined grade-point average of 3.958 through the fall sports season.
Lindbergh High students brave elements to keep their community clean
November 1, 2012 - Lindbergh High School students in Jim Goodwin’s SkillsUSA student leadership program believe in doing their part in school and throughout their community.
Renton High teacher Sara Olson named Hero in the Classroom
Student leadership and PE teacher Sara Olson recognized as Hero in the Classroom by Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial
October 31, 2012 - Renton High School student leadership and physical education teacher Sara Olson has been named a Hero in the Classroom by the Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial. The two organizations are partnering together through the football season to recognize 24 teachers who are making a real difference in the lives of students.
Discovery Program Referral
Referrals are now open for the district’s Highly Capable Program
October 29, 2012 - The referral deadline for students in grades two through seven is December 20, 2012. Please go to the Discovery/Gifted Program link under “District Departments” to learn more.
District sets timeline for construction of new middle school to open Sept. 2016
October 24, 2012 - Renton School Board members have approved a timeline to construct a much-needed new middle school on the site of the current Renton Academy.
District to hold public meetings on proposal to sell of two parcels of unused property near Hazelwood and Tiffany Park elementary schools
October 22, 2012 - Renton School District will hold public meetings to present the plan to sell two pieces of undeveloped property near Hazelwood and Tiffany Park elementary schools. The district plans two separate community meetings at schools near each property as well as more formal School Board Public Hearings.
Hazen High athletes recognized for classroom success
October 17, 2012 - Hazen High School student athletes have been recognized by the state’s athletics association for hard work in the classroom as well as on the playing field.
13 student films in the running for coveted Curvee Awards
See the films, attend the award gala
October 16, 2012 - The fifth annual Renton FilmFrenzy recently played host to 25 teams of filmmakers—including 13 student groups— in a competition where amateur filmmakers have only one weekend (50-hours) to write, shoot and edit 4-minute films completely in Renton.
Visitors get first-hand look at new Secondary Learning Center
October 12, 2012 - More than 100 visitors attended last night’s public grand opening of Renton School District’s newest school, the Secondary Learning Center. The school opened this fall to nearly 300 middle and high school students. The school will eventually house more than 400 students.
Talbot Hill teacher Kelly Kosir named Hero in the Classroom
Kindergarten teacher Kelly Kosir recognized as Hero in the Classroom by Seahawks and Symetra Financial
October 12, 2012 - Talbot Hill Elementary kindergarten teacher Kelly Kosir has been named a Hero in the Classroom by the Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial. The two organizations are partnering together through the football season to recognize 24 area teachers who are making a real difference in the lives of students.
Renton School Board opposes Initiative 1240
Board members join others opposing the charter schools measure on the Nov. 6 ballot.
October 11, 2012 - The Renton School Board voted unanimously at their regular meeting on Wednesday night to oppose Initiative 1240, the charter school measure that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Dimmitt Middle School teacher named Hero in the Classroom
Stephanie Pender recognized as Hero in the Classroom by Seahawks and Symetra Financial
October 9, 2012 - Dimmitt Middle School Language Arts teacher Stephanie Pender was recognized today as a Hero in the Classroom by the Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial.
More than 100 district high school students recognized as AP Scholars
Students demonstrate college-level achievement in Advanced Placement classes and on exams
October 5, 2012 - More than 100 high school students in the Renton School District have earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards by The College Board, in recognition of their exceptional achievement in challenging college-level courses at their high school and on the 2012 college-level AP exams. The classes and tests were taken last school year and many of the recognized students have graduated and are now in college. Some, however, took the test in their junior year and are now seniors at district high schools.
Three Renton School District seniors named National Merit Scholar semifinalist
October 3, 2012 - Renton High School’s Jordon Bowens and Lindbergh High’s Jason Hennig and Monique Smith are among only 16,000 students nationwide to be named semifinalists for National Merit scholarships.
Highlands Elementary students are tops in state in summer reading program
September 27, 2012 - Over the summer, while most children went swimming, and played basketball, soccer, and video games, Highlands Elementary School students added another activity to their summer fun: reading; a lot of reading.
Benson Hill and Kennydale elementary schools win state recognition for continuous student success
Both schools have performed in the top 10 percent on state reading and mathematics tests for the past three years
September 21, 2012 - Benson Hill and Kennydale elementary schools have been recognized by the state’s education office as “High-Progress Reward Schools” for sustained improvements in student achievement on state mathematics and reading tests. Both schools have performed in the top 10 percent in the state for the past three years.
Renton School District again earns praise for excellence in financial management, reporting
Nearly a decade of recognition for high standards in managing taxpayer funds and open, transparent accounting
September 18, 2012 - For the ninth consecutive year Renton School District has been recognized for outstanding financial management and reporting.
School Board approves agreement authorizing hiring of TFA candidates enrolled in UW's alternative pathway teacher accreditation program
September 13, 2012—Renton School Board members at last night’s meeting voted to enter into an agreement with Teach For America (TFA) to allow candidates who enroll in the University of Washington Accelerated Certification for Teachers (U-ACT) program to apply for teaching positions in the district.
Seahawks visits Renton schools to stress importance of staying active
Seahawks bring National Football League’s Play 60 program to local schools
September 11, 2012—The Seattle Seahawks visited Campbell Hill Elementary School today to stress to students the importance of staying healthy, active and connected to school. The visits are part of the National Football League’s Play 60 program.
Renton joins six other King County school districts to compete for $40 million Race to the Top grant
September 7, 2012—Renton School District has joined six other King County school districts to compete for up to $40 million in federal Race to the Top grant money.
Drive carefully in school zones
School speed zones patrolled by Renton Police and traffic cameras, fines can be as much as $250
September 5, 2012 - It’s back-to-school for students in the Renton School District and throughout the region. That means that children will be crossing streets and walking to school along busy roads. Please watch for children as they make their way to and from school.
School begins for most district students
Upper-level students at middle and high schools start school tomorrow
September 4, 2012 - Thousands of students started classes today in the Renton School District. Students at the district’s 14 elementary schools started school, along with 6th-graders at middle schools and 9th-graders at high schools.The early start for middle and high school freshmen allow them to become acclimated to their new environment before students in the upper grades begin classes tomorrow.
School Board study session planned on district's Teach for America proposal
Renton District hired 120 traditionally-certified teachers this year; considers applicants in the UW alternative certification program, including Teach for America applicants
August 27, 2012—Renton School District will present the School Board with information on its proposal to include applicants from Teach for America (TFA) to fill vacant teaching positions. The study session is Wednesday, Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m. in the district offices at 300 SW 7th Street, Renton.
More than 120 new teachers welcomed to Renton
Renton Chamber of Commerce’s hosts annual New Teacher Breakfast
August 28, 2012—More than 120 new teachers were welcomed to Renton today during the Renton Chamber of Commerce’s annual New Teacher Breakfast. This marks the 23rd year that Renton-area business leaders have hosted the event to welcome new teachers to the district and the community. The event was sponsored by Valley Medical Center, King & Bunny’s appliances, Marriott and Wal-Mart. The event’s keynote speaker was Joyce Walters, CEO & founder or Corporate Education Strategies.
Taxpayers save nearly $11 million thanks to districts refinance of 2003 school construction bond
Solid financial management resulting in a great credit rating, combined with good timing, result in big savings for district taxpayers
August 23, 2012 — Renton School District taxpayers will save nearly $11 million thanks to action by the School Board to refinance school construction bonds approved by voters in 2003. Refinancing the old debt is similar to refinancing a home mortgage, which reduces the amount of interest paid on a loan by taking advantage of current historically low interest rates.
Community, staff revise school district’s 3-year strategic improvement plan
School Board approves stakeholder’s plan to replace 2009 version
August 22, 2012 —Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting approved the district’s new three-year strategic plan revised recently by more than 200 community members, district teachers and staff, local and state elected officials, and others. The large stakeholder’s meeting, which filled the cafeteria at McKnight Middle School, was similar to one held in 2009 and was designed to gather public input in establishing the district’s direction for the coming three years (see the plan).
Renton Schools Back-To-School Newsletter
August, 2012 - Read Superintendent Heuschel's Back-to-School message and view the 2012-13 student school year calendar.
Refinance of old debt will save Renton School District taxpayers more than $9 million
Solid financial management resulting in a great credit rating, combined with good timing, will result in big savings for district taxpayers
July 19, 2012 - Renton School District’s solid financial management has resulted in a great credit rating, which, combined with good timing and a strong local economy, will result in an anticipated savings of more than $9 million for district taxpayers.
District considers sale of two pieces of undeveloped property near Hazelwood and Tiffany Park elementary schools
June 28, 2012 - The district will begin the process for a possible sale of two pieces of undeveloped property near Hazelwood and Tiffany Park elementary schools. Both sites present challenging issues that preclude the district from building a school on either site. The School Board will schedule a public hearing in the fall before voting on the actual sale of the properties.
Work begins at Cascade Elementary to build covered play area
June 25, 2012 - Work has begun at Cascade Elementary School to build a covered play area at the northeast section of the existing asphalt play area behind the school.
Sartori Education Center students recognized as Outstanding Seniors
June 13, 2012 - Five extraordinary Sartori Education Center students were recognized as Outstanding Seniors by Renton School Board members at tonight’s meeting.
District celebrates another year of great success
Renton achievements highlighted in 2012 state gubernatorial debate
June 12, 2012 - Hundreds of Renton School District high school students graduated yesterday at ceremonies at the ShoWare Center in Kent. Graduation ceremonies continue on June 18 for Sartori Education Center students and others in the H.O.M.E. program.
Work continues to fill next year’s open teaching positions
District ramping up recruiting efforts for traditionally-certified applicants while continuing conversations to include Teach for America applicants for 1 or 2 hard-to-fill positions
June 12, 2012 - Applications for next year’s open teaching positions continue to come into Renton Schools to fill the nearly 75 open teaching positions as the number of students increase and current teachers retire, move on to teaching positions closer to home or other attrition. The number of open positions is consistent with those from previous years. Some of the open jobs are in habitually hard-to-fill positions such as Special Education, English Language Learners, math, science and other specific content areas.
School District to provide free lunches to children during summer, June 25-Aug. 17
June 8, 2012 - Renton School District will offer free lunches during summer break to children up to 18-years-old at 12 locations throughout the city and—new this year—at five separate locations using a mobile food truck.
Community reconvenes to revise school district’s 3-year strategic improvement plan
Stakeholder’s plan will replace one created by community in 2009
May 30, 2012 - More than 200 community members, district teachers and staff, local and state elected officials, and others came together recently to update the district’s three-year strategic plan. The large stakeholder’s meeting, which filled the cafeteria at McKnight Middle School, was similar to one held in 2009 and was designed to gather public input in establishing the district’s direction for the coming three years. Stakeholders Presentation May 2012